Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez gets engaged to boyfriend Riley Roberts

Couple met while attending Boston University

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Thursday 19 May 2022 15:15 EDT
Comments
AOC confirms she is engaged
AOC confirms she is engaged (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has confirmed reports that she is engaged to her partner Riley Roberts.

On Thursday, it was reported on Twitter that the congresswoman had gotten engaged to her longtime boyfriend, with reporter Pablo Manríquez tweeting: “BREAKING: @AOC got engaged!!”

Ms Ocasio-Cortez confirmed the news in a tweet, with the New York Democrat retweeting a report about the engagement and writing: “It’s true! Thank you all for the well wishes.”

The couple first met when they were students at Boston University. While they maintain a mostly private relationship, Ms Ocasio-Cortez previously described the web developer as an “easy-going redhead” in a 2018 Vogue profile.

The same year, Roberts featured in the documentary Knock Down the House about Ms Ocasio-Cortez’s primary campaign.

While the couple are rarely photographed together, Roberts was in attendance during Ms Ocasio-Cortez’s swearing-in in 2019, with the marketing professional later telling the New York Post that it was a “really incredible day, really special”. As for his thoughts on Washington, DC, where the couple lives with their dog Deco, he told the outlet: “It’s great.”

Roberts also attended the 2021 Met Gala alongside his longtime partner, who wore a white “tax the rich” gown by Brother Vellies for the annual gala.

The US representative’s confirmation of the engagement prompted an outpouring of congratulatory messages, with one person writing: “Congratulations and best wishes!!! He is a lucky guy and will make an excellent First Man someday!”

The Independent has contacted a representative for Ms Ocasio-Cortez for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in